The trifecta of engines...

[blykins]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Interesting Barry, and makes perfect sense. I'm familiar with the gear drive arrangement - surprised that isn't used more instead of the chain. Also, to echo 750HP's post earlier; wouldn't a belt and pulley system be more durable and forgiving?

I was talking to Robert yesterday about parts availability and had a rather lengthy discussion with him. I think he has probably built more SOHC FE's than anyone else, from a "crate engine" standpoint.

He told me that the ability to stay together and be reliable is equal to the wedge headed FE, but you have to use the correct parts. He said the first one he ever built wore the aluminum tensioner out on the dyno. It flexed and then if he tightened the chain up so that the tensioner wouldn't flex, it would break the chain. I think Ed Pink told him that Ford tried the aluminum tensioners back in the day and just determined that they didn't work. Robert ponied up and started having the ductile iron tensioners made.

From what I understand, the two engines that were mentioned earlier in this post that failed were due to aluminum tensioners.

But again, the SOHC is an engine where we have to compare notes with each other. They cost so stinkin much that: 1. We don't get the opportunities to play with them as much. 2. If you have a failure, it's gonna cost some bucks to fix it.